As the plane descended onto the Orlando airport runway and the ground became more visible, I started looking out the window for the rocket. I knew I wouldn't see it from here, but I was too excited and I figured it was worth trying. I had many reasons to be excited for this trip; it was my first time flying solo, I would get to experience Florida during my favorite type of weather and I would witness a rocket launch live. The day I landed, I found my dad in the airport, got our rental car, and we headed off to our hotel. Upon arrival, we could see the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and it all began to feel very real; I couldn’t believe that in a matter of hours, the sky above me would be ripped by a streak of light made by the rocket.
To get rid of the anxiety/excitement, we decided to drive to Coco Beach as any tourist would. We then headed back to the hotel before the launch where my dad fell asleep and I stayed up in anticipation. When the time came, we went down to the lobby where many of the other families were getting ready to leave too. We then made our way to the Kennedy Space Center and boarded the bus that would take us to Banana Creek where we would watch the rocket launch. We were only about an hour from launch at this point, and I think everyone could feel the anticipation within the bus.
Once we got to the viewing pad, it was chilly and dark where the only lighting came from a big LED screen that had a countdown for the launch; at this point it read “T-30 Minutes”. Everyone was taking pictures with their families and with each other before finding a spot in the stands and waiting patiently. I was scared of the launch failing, and needing to reschedule it but fortunately, that would not be necessary. At 2:45 in the morning, we saw the horizon light up as the rocket ignited. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the rocket as it gained altitude and the streak that trailed it changed its color and pattern. We were all speechless, though I think most of us wanted to cry tears of joy.
We all got back on the bus with smiles on our faces and not believing what we just witnessed. We went back to the hotel and got whatever rest we could to visit the Kennedy Space Center the next day. I had been here once before when my dad brought me as a kid and now it had come full circle in a way because now it was me who brought my dad. We took the bus tour which contained a lot of information that really surprised me and made me more excited to learn about space. To wrap up the day, everyone got together for dinner at Zarrellas which was a great opportunity to get to learn a little bit more about everybody; and the food was really good too.
On the plane back home, I could not help but think of how perfect the entire experience had been and how thankful I am to Higher Orbits and to Michelle for making this all possible. I truly believe Higher Orbits is one of the best ways to get involved in the world of space because of how much passion and care is put into everything they do. I will truly never forget this experience, thank you Higher Orbits!
Written By Stellar Student Nicolas Reyna
